2:19–20

These two verses are one unit. The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “betroth” is repeated three times. This term refers figuratively to the LORD’s restored relationship with the people of Israel. Although the people had been unfaithful to him, he will restore their relationship as if he will get married to them again.

In Hebrew, the three repetitions of “I will betroth you” in 2:19–20 emphasize the image of a new marriage. If this kind of repetition expresses the same emphasis in a natural way in your language, you may want to maintain it. You may also want to format these verses to show the poetic structure more clearly. For example, the following fairly literal Hebrew translation indents the parallel lines.

19a I will betroth you to me

forever;

19b I will betroth you to me

in righteousness and in justice,

in love and compassion.

20a I will betroth you to me

in faithfulness,

20b and you will know the LORD.

2:19a

I will betroth you to Me forever: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as betroth refers to a legally binding commitment to begin a marriage relationship. In this context, it is a promise to be married forever.

Here are some other ways to translate this meaning:

I will make you my wife forever. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I will commit myself to you forever (NET Bible)

you: In Hebrew, verse 2:18a uses the pronoun “them.” Verse 2:19a uses the pronoun you, because the LORD is speaking directly to the Israelites. In Hebrew, this pronoun is singular, because it compares the nation of Israel as a group to the LORD’s unfaithful wife.

Some versions add the vocative “Israel” to make clear who the LORD is speaking to. For example:

Israel, I will make you my wife forever. (God’s Word)

to Me: In Hebrew, this phrase occurs following each of the three occurrences of “betroth.” This repetition emphasizes the personal relationship that the LORD will have with his people. Use a natural way in your language to emphasize the personal nature of this relationship.

2:19b–20a

I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion: The phrases in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion and “in faithfulness” refer to the qualities that the LORD promises to show to Israel.

betroth you in…: In Hebrew, this phrase normally refers to a bride price, a gift that the husband gives to the bride’s father or to his bride. In this context, it probably refers to the qualities that the LORD promises to show to his bride, Israel.

Here are some other ways to translate these lines:

I will be true and faithful; I will show you constant love and mercy and make you mine forever. I will keep my promise and make you mine (Good News Translation)
-or-
I will be good and fair; I will show you my love and mercy. I will be true to you as my promised bride (New Century Version)

righteousness and justice: The words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as righteousness and justice have similar meanings in this context. They refer here to the LORD’s promise to meet all his legal obligations as a figurative husband and to treat Israel fairly and properly.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

I will be good and fair (New Century Version)
-or-
The way I treat you will be right and just/proper

loving devotion and compassion: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as loving devotion refers to the loyal love and kindness that the LORD shows to the people with whom he has made a covenant. The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as compassion refers to a strong feeling of mercy and kindness.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

constant love and mercy (Good News Translation)
-or-
in steadfast love, and in mercy (New Revised Standard Version)

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